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Vintage Washburn models tend to have numerical designations along with names such as Professional, Presentation, Melody, Improved and Models 421, 422, 442, 565, 5100. The modern Washburn banjos are prefixed "B-" with B6 being a 6-string, B7, B8, B9, B11, B14, B16, B17 and B120 are five strings in various specifications. Music Corporation which is the parent company for other brands such as Framus and Oscar Schmidt) but it appears that most instruments are now made in China or Korea by Samick: A higher number of ribs on the back indicates a higher grade of mandolin and can add to the value. Count the number of ribs your antique mandolin has, if it's a bowl-back. You can also find silver wire, tortoise shell and invory inlays. Today, the Washburn brand still exists as a guitar, mandolin and banjo brand (as part of U.S. Many vintage bowl back mandolins had a lot of pearl inlays. In 1930, the name was sold again to the Tonk Brothers. In 1928, the fretted instrument patents and machinery was sold to another chicago company - J.R. It starts with a solid spruce top for warm, balanced tone right out of the box. The mandolin is built on the popular A-style platform-a classic acoustic folk design producing deep, powerful attack. In the early 20th century Washburn continues to lead with quality guitars, banjos, and mandolins. The Washburn M1SDLTR A-style mandolin offers a modern look and quality craftsmanship that has made Washburn a household name. In 1889, Washburn becomes the largest mandolin maker in America. George Washburn were the first names of Lyon. George Washburn begins a legacy of greatness with the first Washburn stringed instruments, bringing quality instruments priced for home musicians. Often cited as a company of George Washburn, there doesn't appear to have been any such person. Originally, it was a division of Lyon & Healey and instruments badged Washburn were their flagship line. Wasburn is an American firm which started making guitars, mandolins, banjos, mandolin banjos, banjolins, banjo ukuleles and zithers in 1883 in Chicago.